The basement level contains secure parking, a central utility plant and secure circulation paths.

Photo courtesy Alan Karchmer / OTTO

The design courthouse incorporates local art, reflecting community heritage and cultural vibrancy.

One of the most technically demanding challenges was the building’s curved limestone facade, which included more than 6,200 hand-set pieces. Advanced modeling technology and 3D mock-ups helped optimize stone sizing and control joint placement, while a full-scale field mock-up ensured constructibility before installation.

For interior accuracy, robotic layout systems printed 91,000 sq ft of walls, doors and other architectural features directly from the BIM model onto floor slabs.

The ability to share BIM files with the design and construction teams allowed shop drawings for exterior glazing and building infrastructure systems to be created with enhanced accuracy, optimizing the final product by closely mirroring actual site conditions.

Unforeseen conditions such as an unknown underground concrete structure and a storage tank were mitigated with re-sequenced work plans, avoiding critical path delays and ensuring regulatory compliance. The team also successfully managed ongoing post-pandemic disruptions, including supply chain volatility and inflation, while shortages of cement and other key materials were navigated through strong supplier relationships. Strategic sequencing strategies accommodated owner-requested durability enhancements and other changes.

Photo courtesy Alan Karchmer / OTTO

The courthouse is projected to reduce energy costs by 20% through high-performance building envelope strategies, a reduced window-to-wall ratio and optimized internal loads from energy-efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems as well as advanced automation control systems.

Exceeding baseline industry safety standards was paramount on the project due to the unique demands of courtroom floors, which range from 18 to 22 ft in height. This required meticulous safety planning, especially for work conducted above 8 ft, with a focus on sound transmission standards that necessitated larger framing and extended time at heights. The project team implemented robust safety programs and strategies that encompassed daily safety huddles, weekly leadership coordination and comprehensive employee-wide safety meetings.

An innovative risk register identified project impacts, fostering discussions to ensure safety and quality throughout the design-build process. A cornerstone of the team’s approach was the STCKY (Stuff That Can Kill You) safety initiative, addressing critical areas such as falls, electrocutions and striking incidents.